From the first to the sixth of January, the 99th occupied front line defense positions on the outskirts of Malmedy. Patrol action was common and enemy artillery and rocket fire fairly heavy. Enemy troops who had been wounded in the initial attack or during clashes often came into the lines to surrender because of the intense cold that persisted during this period. During the nights German combat troops dressed in white camouflage suits raided forward positions without success. These nuisance raids together with the cold of the foxholes served to exhaust the men more than did artillery fire or lack of warm food.
The website www.backtonormandy.org has evolved. It has grown, expanded, and broadened its horizons. What once focused solely on the historic events of Normandy now reaches far beyond that — embracing a larger, more inclusive story of World War II history across Europe.
As I move forward, II invite you to explore my new home: www.ww2history.eu.
The history I share is not confined to a single place or a single moment in time. It’s the story of nations, of sacrifice, of courage, and of resilience. It’s a history that spans the entire continent of Europe, where every country played its part in shaping the world we live in today. The lives of millions were touched, forever changed, by the events of World War II.
By migrating to www.ww2history.eu, I can now present a more complete, more comprehensive view of this pivotal period in our collective past. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Stalingrad, from the forests of Ardennes to the skies over London — the story of Europe during the Second World War is vast and interconnected, and it deserves to be remembered in its entirety.
I am committed to preserve these stories — of the brave men and women who fought, suffered, and died, of the ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times, and of the lessons we must never forget.
So, I invite you to visit www.ww2history.eu. Discover new stories, new perspectives, and the shared history that binds us all together. Join me in honoring the past as we shape the future. This is not just history — this is our history, and it’s waiting for you to explore.
Your webmaster Fred Vogels - www.fredvogels.com